The CR42 was developed by Crosley, a large manufacturer of turntables and radios since the 1920's. The CR42 is one of many in its line of vintage style turntables with built in modern features such as a CD player and MP3 support.

The CR42 has a vintage looking wooden exterior in many different colored finishes. The CR42 is unique in that it has a small wooden arch framing the top of the device. The speakers for the device are narrower at the top and gradually become wider as you move down while the inside edge is flush with the controls. The device does not have a digital screen unlike many of its counterparts, it does however have a red 2 digit digital display.